Sir Ian helps stamp out homophobia at East End schools
LORD of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen has visited secondary schools in the borough to talk about gay rights and his own battle against homophobia.
The Tony Award-winning actor was at Bethnal Green Technology College and Morpeth School as part of a nation-wide tour to raise awareness about homophobia.
The tour is organised by gay rights charity Stonewall, which Sir Ian co-founded.
He spoke to youngsters about growing up in a time when homosexuality was still illegal and his own experiences being bullied.
Sir Ian, who lives in Limehouse, said: “Until I visited secondary schools recently, I hadn’t realised how much anti-gay bullying goes on throughout the education system. By talking frankly about my own life as a gay man and listening to the concerns of staff and students, parents and governors, I hope the visits arranged by Stonewall may make a difference in the classroom and the playground and also give confidence to gay students about their lives in the future.”
You may also want to watch:
Youngsters also got a chance to quiz the Academy Award nominated actor on his experiences.
He said: “I remember ten years ago when I was called a ‘batty boy’ and then pushed against a wall in broad daylight in London. I was very shocked by the incident,” adding: “I did go through a phase of trying to hide my sexuality as a young man and remember losing one film part as a producer thought I couldn’t play a straight part.”
Most Read
- 1 Ethnic communities not taking up Covid jabs, Tower Hamlets Mayor warns
- 2 'Racist consultation' protest rejected on Tower Hamlets street closures as Labour sticks to its manifesto
- 3 Airbnb house party violence leaves police officer with broken finger
- 4 Council fined for Alexia Walenkaki's playground death in Mile End and says sorry to family
- 5 Streets around proposed Chinese embassy building could be renamed after persecuted Muslims
- 6 Police hunt after stabbing in Cable Street: One man hurt
- 7 Police raid cannabis factory near Liverpool Street station: 2 arrests
- 8 No injuries but 20 rescued as firefighters tackle Limehouse blaze
- 9 Teenager found dead in Victoria Park
Research carried out for Stonewall by You.Gov revealed that teachers thought homophobic bullying was more prevalent within schools than racist bullying.